Three rescued after car falls down ravine off Homestake Pass

BUTTE - Authorities say three people survived sliding off Homestake Pass and down a mountainside, thanks to seatbelts.

The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department says three people were in a westbound car on Interstate 90 on Saturday. Road conditions were slushy and icy at the time.

The driver lost control and the car went airborne and down into a ravine. Rescuers were dispatched at 2 PM to mile marker 232.

Firefighters used a winch and a stretcher to carry up two of the occupants, while the third person was able to walk up the hill. The rescued vehicle had Ravalli County plates.

All three were taken to St. James HealthCare. The extent of their injuries was not released.

The fire department says the three all were wearing seatbelts that saved their lives.

From the Butte Fire Department media release: "A-1 Ambulance, Red Wrecker, and numerous members of the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department and the Montana Highway Patrol were at the scene. Kudos to everyone for the high-angle rescue; your endless training paid off!"